What are the definitions of “hang up on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1End a phone call with someone.
A telesales person called, so I said something rude and HUNG UP ON them.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “hang up on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb hang up on is to end a phone call with someone, often abruptly or rudely. It means to disconnect the call without saying goodbye or giving any warning.
What are the different verb forms of “hang up on”?
| Root Verb | hang up on |
| Third Person Singular Present | hangs up on |
| Present Participle | hanging up on |
| Simple Past | hung up on |
| Past Participle | hung up on |
Example
I don't like talking to telemarketers, so I usually hang up on them.
Example
She hangs up on anyone who tries to sell her something over the phone.
Example
He is hanging up on the caller because they were being rude.
Example
Yesterday, I hung up on a scammer who tried to get my personal information.
Example
She felt bad after she hung up on her friend during an argument.
What kind of phrasal verb is “hang up on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“hang up on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He hung up on the telemarketer.
Example
She hung up on her friend during the argument.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“hang up on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He hung up on the telemarketer.
Example
She hung up on her friend during the argument.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “hang up on”?
Hang up one's hat
To retire or stop doing something, especially after a long time.
Example
After 40 years in the business, he decided to hang up his hat and enjoy retirement.
Hang up one's boots
To retire from a sport, especially after a long and successful career.
Example
The soccer player decided to hang up his boots after winning the championship.
Good things to know
Does “hang up on” have an informal or formal tone?
Hang up on is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and is appropriate for both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. However, it is important to note that the action of hanging up on someone can be considered rude, so it may not be suitable for all situations.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “hang up on”?
Synonyms
- disconnect
- terminate
- end call
- cut off
Antonyms
- answer
- pick up
- connect
- continue talking
